Fragile X syndrome is a form of mental retardation. Caused by a mutated gene on the X chromosome. It is called fragile X syndrome because the long arm of the X-shaped chromosome looks like it might break off.
Who gets it:
Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation. The symptoms of fragile X syndrome are more severe in boys than in girls. The syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 3600 males and 1 in 4000 to 6000 females. www.fragilex.org/html/summary.htm
What cause it:
Fragile X syndrome is caused by a mutation in the FMR-1 gene, located on the X chromosome.
Symptoms:
The majority of males with fragile X syndrome will have a significant intellectual disabillty . The spectrum ranges from learning disabilities to severe mental retardation and autism. In addition, males have a variety of physical and behavioral characteristics. However, no male has all of these characteristics. Physical features such as enlarged ears, long face with prominent chin, and large testicles in post pubertal males are common. Connective tissue problems may include ear infections, mitral valve prolapse, flat feet, double-jointed fingers, hyperflexible joints and a variety of skeletal problems. Behavioral characteristics in males include attention deficit disorders, speech disturbances, hand biting, hand flapping, autistic behaviors, poor eye contact, and unusual responses to various touch, auditory or visual stimuli. www.fragilex.org/html/summary.htm
Fragile X Syndrome
What is it:
Fragile X syndrome is a form of mental retardation. Caused by a mutated gene on the X chromosome. It is called fragile X syndrome because the long arm of the X-shaped chromosome looks like it might break off.Who gets it:
Fragile X syndrome is the most common form of inherited mental retardation. The symptoms of fragile X syndrome are more severe in boys than in girls. The syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 3600 males and 1 in 4000 to 6000 females. www.fragilex.org/html/summary.htm
What cause it:
Fragile X syndrome is caused by a mutation in the FMR-1 gene, located on the X chromosome.
Symptoms:
The majority of males with fragile X syndrome will have a significant intellectual disabillty . The spectrum ranges from learning disabilities to severe mental retardation and autism. In addition, males have a variety of physical and behavioral characteristics. However, no male has all of these characteristics. Physical features such as enlarged ears, long face with prominent chin, and large testicles in post pubertal males are common. Connective tissue problems may include ear infections, mitral valve prolapse, flat feet, double-jointed fingers, hyperflexible joints and a variety of skeletal problems. Behavioral characteristics in males include attention deficit disorders, speech disturbances, hand biting, hand flapping, autistic behaviors, poor eye contact, and unusual responses to various touch, auditory or visual stimuli. www.fragilex.org/html/summary.htm